New to technical writing

» csiegner - New to technical writing

Hello! I am possibly interested in the technical writing field. I am currently doing research on certain tech. writing jobs and was wondering what type of skills I would need and are there any types of technical writing certifications that I can look into. Also, can anyone suggest any good websites that would have some good technical writing information?

thanks

-- posted by csiegner

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» H2O - Re: New to technical writing

In response to New to technical writing posted by csiegner:

Sorry it's taken so long to answer this question, but I have recently adopted this topic, which has been dormant.

Anyway, some schools (like Michigan Technological University) offer degree programs in technical writing. A local community or technical college might also have such courses.

You might also look into joining Society of Technical Communicators (STC). This is a trade group where you meet tech writers in your area and trade knowledge (such as software being used) and also network for jobs.

Do you need special training for a technical writing job? Most people look for experience. If possible, try to learn FrameMaker, PageMaker, Quark Express, or some other desktop publishing program that's out there. (Interleaf used to be big, but it seems the firms in Milwaukee that once used Interleaf are now looking for writers with experience in Frame Maker.) Another consideration is the philosophy of the one doing the hiring. Some look for people with technical expertise who can "write" without having to have technical things proofed. Of course, many of these people are not writers and often have too intimate a knowledge of the product (which leads to "assumptions" and steps missing in documentation).

I've been fortunate that the people who hired me looked for writing skills and felt they could train me (or I was bright enough) to pick up the technical aspects. Hence, I am a technical writer with a communications degree and seminary training. So, if you do any writing, start putting together a portfolio of your best work to show in interviews!

John

-- posted by H2O

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